In the Republic of Maldives, controlled drugs are imported and distributed by
the State Trading Organization to grade one pharmacies with prior authorization from
the Ministry of Health. These drugs are dispensed to patients with a medical
prescription.

Despite all the collaborative efforts made by the government and
nongovernment organizations, available statistics indicate that drug abuse is becoming a
growing problem in the Maldives and needs to be addressed urgently. With
reference to the Health Master Plan (1996-2005), the issue of substance abuse
will be dealt with through and prolonged approach, demand reduction through
public awareness campaigns, establishment of a drug rehabilitation center and
supply reduction through strict enforcement of law. It is believed that
introduction of a practical guideline, a standard prescription format as well as
providing training for physicians, pharmacists and health workers in general is
essential to promote the rational use of controlled drugs all over the country.

The main objective of introducing this guideline is to advocate for the
rational use of drugs with high misuse and abuse potential and thereby
facilitate good prescribing and dispensing practice, better handling and
management of controlled drugs in health institutes and pharmacies in public and
private sectors. Strategies have been recommended in order to accomplish this task and meet the
ultimate goal, improvement of quality of health care through effective and safe
use of pharmaceuticals, in this case, controlled drugs. Psychotropic and
narcotic drugs, here in after called controlled drugs currently included in the
list of drugs approved for the Republic of Maldives will be dealt in this
guideline.